Waist Size Dysfunction Markers

A summary of key metabolic health indicators and the concerning trends in American health, particularly focusing on obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Key Metabolic Health Statistics

• 80% of American adults are overweight or obese
• 94% have some form of metabolic dysfunction
• 33% of young adults have prediabetes
• 20% of young adults have fatty liver disease
• 40% of high schoolers qualify as having a mental health disorder

Historical Context

• 100 years ago:
  • Obesity was so rare that obese people were in circus shows
  • Diabetes in children was virtually non-existent
• 40 years ago:
  • Doctors rarely saw cases of childhood diabetes
  • Metabolic disorders in children were uncommon

Current Metabolic Health Benchmarks

• Women:
  • 35-inch waist indicates potential metabolic dysfunction
• Men:
  • 40-inch waist indicates potential metabolic dysfunction
• Note: Can be obese without looking particularly fat based on personalized biomarkers

Geographic Comparisons

• America:
  • 50% of teens are overweight or obese
  • Childhood obesity rate is significantly higher
• Japan:
  • Only 3% childhood obesity rate
  • Spends 2x more per capita on food
  • Spends 3x less per capita on healthcare
  • Incorporates food into healthcare budget

Key Contributing Factors

• 70% of American diet is ultra-processed food
• Modern diet includes foods that didn't exist 120 years ago:
  • Processed sugar (100x more consumption than 100 years ago)
  • Seed oils
  • Processed grains
• Healthcare system focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes